Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table was cut down to just six points following a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield – handing Manchester City a major boost.
Arsenal have allowed Manchester City back into the Premier League title race following a disappointing draw against Liverpool at Anfield. It could have been much worse for the Gunners if Aaron Ramsdale had not been on top form to make a number of incredible saves.
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Arsenal had a 2-0 lead and were in full control following goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus inside the opening half an hour. Anfield was sleeping before Granit Xhaka’s bust-up with Trent Alexander-Arnold awoke the beat that Mikel Arteta and his players feared most.
The north Londoners had not won at Anfield since 2012 but looked set to end that dreadful run before the crowd reacted to Xhaka’s altercation with Alexander-Arnold, with Mohamed Salah grabbing a lifeline goal for the Reds shortly afterwards.
The Gunners’ old nemesis Roberto Firmino came off the bench to equalise late in the game, with Ramsdale stopping Jurgen Klopp’s side from taking all three points after denying Ibrahima Konate on the line with just seconds left.
Arsenal need to pick themselves up and dust themselves down with just eight games left to play this season as they chase down a first Premier League title since 2004. football.london has taken a look at the Gunners’ next five fixtures compared to title rivals City.
West Ham (A) – Sunday, April 16
West Ham have been far from the side they developed into in recent seasons, moving away from being European challengers to relegation strugglers. The Hammers still have plenty of quality in their side though and will cause some problems, especially given the fact they will be at home.
Southampton (H) – Friday, April 21
Another relegation candidate follows for the Gunners as they host a Southampton that has kept themselves in the race to survive in the league under Ruben Selles. The Saints have a decent record against the “big six” in the division this campaign, with the most recent result being a 3-3 draw against Tottenham.
Man City (A) – Wednesday, April 26
Arguably Arsenal’s biggest game in the last 19 years. A potential title decider between the Gunners and their rivals Manchester City, which could shift the dynamic of the whole campaign. The clash at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the campaign ended in a victory for Pep Guardiola’s side, but the outcome of this tie could be the biggest one of all.
City have the title in their own hands following Arsenal’s draw at Anfield. Both teams know how crucial this game with the Gunners hoping to reclaim an advantage over Guardiola’s side.
Chelsea (H) – Saturday, April 29
Yet another huge game. A London derby follows a potential title-decider against City with Arteta’s side needing to prepare quickly for a game against Chelsea.
The Blues have made two changes in the dugout this season and have spent over £600million on new signings in the last two transfer windows. Arsenal will hope they can continue to prove that London is red and pick up a crucial three points ahead of the final few fixtures of the season heading into May.
Newcastle (A) – Sunday, May 7
Another huge test for Mikel Arteta’s side awaits heading into May. A trip to St. James’ Park at the end of last term saw the Gunners’ crumble and miss out on Champions League qualification.
Nothing other than a win will be good enough this time as Arsenal chase down the Premier League title. Arteta will hope his players can learn from last season and beat the Magpies on their home turf despite Eddie Howe’s side enjoying one of their best ever seasons in Premier League history – challenging for a top four spot and currently in brilliant form.
Manchester City’s next five fixtures:
Leicester (H) – April 15
Arsenal (H) – April 26
Fulham (A) – April 30
West Ham (H) – May 3
Leeds United (H) – May 7
